A meeting between Waanyi Native Title group representatives and MMG Century has laid out a plan of action which will see them working towards a strong and sustainable relationship.
Directors of the Waanyi Prescribed Body Corporate¹ (PBC) met with MMG management in Townsville last week to agree on a plan of action to address issues of common interest.
Chair of the Waanyi PBC Alec Doomadgee, says it’s vital that the Waanyi have an effective relationship with MMG.
“By sitting down with MMG, we’ve been able to work through a number of issues. We also want to send a message that the Waanyi PBC is a Native Title organisation that can do business with industry in the Gulf region.”
Mr Doomadgee says his group requested a meeting with MMG management so that both the Native Title group and MMG can understand each other’s needs.
“The recently elected Waanyi PBC directors wanted to sit down with MMG to discuss a way forward in our relationship, and we’ve been able to do that,” says Mr Doomadgee.
General Manager of MMG’s Queensland Operations, Mark Adams, says last week’s face-to-face engagement was a powerful way for the company and Waanyi Native Title group to build a relationship based on trust.
“When a mining company has a strong and transparent relationship with Native Title groups, real and sustainable benefits will flow,” says Mr Adams.
“MMG welcomes the newly elected Waanyi PBC board, and we’ve both agreed to engage regularly and to keep communication channels open.”
MMG and the Waanyi PBC are exploring ways in which practical support can be provided for the Native Title body so it can operate effectively up to and beyond the end of production at Century Mine in mid-2015.
¹When a Native Title Claim is determined, a Prescribed Body Corporate (PBC) consisting of representatives of the Native Title Group is established to represent the group’s interests.
General Manager of MMGs Queensland Operations, Mark Adams, with Chair of the Waanyi PBC Alec Doomadgee.
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Media enquiries
Martin Powley
Senior Communications Advisor – MMG Queensland Operations
T (07) 4769 5980
E martin.powley@mmg.com
Alec Doomadgee
Chair – Waanyi Prescribed Body Corporate
T 0488 062 596